In a world that often celebrates success in terms of fame, fortune, and accolades, it’s easy to overlook a simple yet profound principle: gratitude. Both Oprah Winfrey and Denzel Washington, two of the most accomplished figures in entertainment, credit much of their success to maintaining an attitude of thankfulness.

Oprah, the media mogul who built an empire from humble beginnings, attributes her success not just to hard work but to a daily practice of gratitude. She speaks often about her gratitude journal, a tool she used to focus on the good in her life, even during tough times. By shifting her mindset to appreciate the small things, Oprah found that bigger blessings followed. “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate,” she often says.

Denzel Washington, the legendary actor and director, shares a similar belief. Despite his status as one of Hollywood’s greatest, Denzel’s focus has always been on his faith and being thankful for every experience—both good and bad. He reminds others to “put God first” and be grateful every day, acknowledging that gratitude has shaped not only his career but also his personal peace. “Give thanks for blessings every day. Every day,” he emphasizes.

Their examples resonate deeply with my own experience. One early Sunday afternoon back in 2016, I stood in the doorway, peering outside, reflecting on what I didn’t have. I thought it’d be nice to have a better life, but I quickly caught myself and decided to be more thankful for what I did have. Almost immediately, my mood began to improve. That day marked a turning point. I adopted the practice of journaling my Wins daily, focusing on what was going well and accentuating the positives.

Since then, I’ve been able to see more Wins, and it has completely changed my perspective. With a more grateful heart, I’ve found it easier to be happy with life.

Like Oprah and Denzel, I’ve learned that gratitude is more than a nice sentiment—it’s a powerful force for attracting more of what we want in life. It brings peace, opens doors, and, most importantly, fills our hearts with joy for what we already have.

As we hustle through life, it’s worth asking: What are you grateful for today?

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)